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Understanding protein structures can be more complicated than thought

When you think of proteins – the enzymes, signaling molecules, and structural components in every living thing – you might think of single strands of amino acids, organized like beads on a string.

29 Aug 2022

Scientists discover the first structures of angiotensin-converting enzyme using cryo-EM

University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers have used cryo-electron microscopy to identify the first complete structures of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) (cryo-EM). A protein that controls blood pressure, ACE, is essential for maintaining good heart health.

14 Jul 2022

Researchers discover the atomic structure of the nuclear pore complex

Nearly 100 trillion cells make up the human body, which is what keeps people healthy and alive. The mechanisms of life are maintained by the billions of pieces that each cell has on its own.

14 Jul 2022

Researchers utilize AI to reveal hitherto unknown 3D structures in rotavirus spike protein

The three types of rotavirus that cause gastroenteritis in individuals, known as groups A, B, and C, are the most well-known and afflict predominantly youngsters.

10 Jun 2022

Sharks may be key to developing effective COVID-19 treatments

To combat viruses, one of humankind's oldest threats, researchers are studying predators with the oldest adaptive immune system in the animal kingdom: sharks.

1 Jun 2022

Scientists discover a new left-handed Z-DNA technique to kill hard-to-treat tumors

An international collaboration of scientists has discovered a new technique to kill cancers that are difficult to treat, according to an article published in Nature.

30 May 2022

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From Rigaku Corporation 25 May 2022

Researchers finally discover the structure of plant protein NPR1

A phone call, according to biologist Xinnian Dong, was her “best Christmas gift ever.” Pei Zhou, a longstanding friend, and partner at Duke University called with some exciting news: they had finally discovered the structure of the plant protein NPR1.

18 May 2022

Study shows how nanotechnology may help for structural research of RNA molecules

Humans live in a world created and managed by RNA—the genetic molecule DNA’s equally important sibling.

3 May 2022

Understanding the regulation of intramembrane proteases across the tree of life

Working with tiny bacteria, Michigan State University researchers led by Lee Kroos have made a discovery that could have big implications for biology.

27 Apr 2022

Cryo-EM reveals the structure of fermentation enzyme phosphoketolase

Pharmaceuticals, plastics, and other industries use enzymes to help synthesize molecular feedstocks.

19 Apr 2022

Yale and uOttawa researchers partner to solve a puzzle rooted in the deepest past of evolution

For decades, scientists have been trying to unravel an enduring mystery of structural biology: Why do two otherwise identical protein forms found in everything from plants, amphibians and human beings hang onto a slight variation across the mighty span of evolution?

21 Mar 2022

Scientists reveal the spectacular structure of C.difficile's protective armor

The spectacular structure of the protective armor of superbug C.difficile has been revealed for the first time showing the close-knit yet flexible outer layer – like chain mail.

From Newcastle University 28 Feb 2022

Researchers gain detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump

Many bacteria and unicellular algae have light-driven pumps in their cell membranes: proteins that change shape when exposed to photons such that they can transport charged atoms in or out of the cell.

4 Feb 2022

Structural proteomics approaches show promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases

Two researchers from Skoltech and McGill University have published a review of the promising research field known as structural proteomics in the influential journal Chemical Reviews.

28 Jan 2022

Antibody-like proteins from sharks can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants

Small, unique antibody-like proteins known as VNARs -; derived from the immune systems of sharks -; can prevent the virus that causes COVID-19, its variants, and related coronaviruses from infecting human cells, according to a new study published Dec. 16.

17 Dec 2021

New methods help chemists to understand how bacteria turn light into chemical energy

Chemists have come to a deeper understanding of how photosynthetic bacteria convert light into chemical energy and discovered why one step in the process may be more robust than previously realized, according to a new study published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.